Building security and automation system

ABSTRACT

A security system control panel or home automation control panel including an end-user replaceable cellular telephony module that is removable from the control panel without disassembling the control panel. The cellular module includes a body, a cellular telephony circuit coupled to the body, a cellular telephony antenna coupled to the body and the cellular telephony circuit, and a first connector coupled to the cellular telephony circuit and the body, wherein the first connector is sized and shaped or otherwise configured to be removably engaged by the end-user with a second connector in the control panel.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/931,945, titled “BUILDING SECURITY AND AUTOMATIONSYSTEM” to Acera et al. and filed on Jan. 27, 2014, the entire contentof which being incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This document pertains generally, but not by way of limitation, tosecurity and automation systems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a system thatincludes a building security and automation system and a centralmonitoring station.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating various examples ofcomponents of the security system 12 of FIG. 1, including a controlpanel and various sensors.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of thecontrol panel of the security system in FIG. 2, in accordance with thisdisclosure.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an example of the control panel of FIG.2.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the example control panel of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6A is perspective front view of the example control panel of FIG.4, illustrating a sealed speaker, in accordance with this disclosure.

FIG. 6B is cross-sectional end view of the example control panel of FIG.4, illustrating a sealed speaker, in accordance with this disclosure.

FIG. 7 is perspective back view of the example control panel of FIG. 6A,illustrating a replaceable cellular module, in accordance with thisdisclosure.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are perspective views of the replaceable cellular moduleof FIG. 7, in accordance with this disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a portion of a control panel.

FIGS. 10A-10D are examples of screenshots of various portions depictinga user-defined home screen.

SUMMARY

In one example, this disclosure is directed to a security system controlpanel or home automation control panel comprising an end-userreplaceable cellular telephony module that is removable from the controlpanel without disassembling the control panel, the cellular moduleincluding a body; a cellular telephony circuit coupled to the body; acellular telephony antenna coupled to the body and the cellulartelephony circuit; and a first connector coupled to the cellulartelephony circuit and the body, wherein the first connector is sized andshaped or otherwise configured to be removably engaged by the end-userwith a second connector in the control panel.

In one example, this disclosure is directed to a security system controlpanel or home automation control panel comprising a display; a housingconfigured to support the display; and a speaker having a front fromwhich sound is projected, a rear opposite the front, a first side, and asecond side opposite the first side; and a sealed speaker enclosurepositioned within the housing, the sealed speaker enclosure including aspeaker case, wherein a portion of the speaker case and a portion of thespeaker define the sealed speaker enclosure.

In one example, this disclosure is directed to a security system controlpanel or home automation control panel comprising a Bluetooth circuitconfigured to receive at least one Bluetooth signal from one or moreBluetooth-enabled devices; a processor configured to store dataidentifying an authorized Bluetooth-enabled device in a memory; detectthe authorized Bluetooth-enabled device; and disarm the security systemcontrol panel in response to the detection.

In one example, this disclosure is directed to security system controlpanel or home automation control panel comprising a user interfaceincluding a display; and a home screen module configured to: receive aninput from the end-user defining at least one screen depicted on thedisplay; store data representing the at least one end-user-definedscreen in a memory; and perform one or more actions previouslyassociated by the user with the defined screen.

In one example, this disclosure is directed to a security system controlpanel or home automation control panel comprising an end-userreplaceable cellular telephony module that is removable from the controlpanel without disassembling the control panel, the cellular moduleincluding a body; a cellular telephony circuit coupled to the body; acellular telephony antenna coupled to the body and the cellulartelephony circuit; and a first connector coupled to the cellulartelephony circuit and the body, wherein the first connector is sized andshaped or otherwise configured to be removably engaged by the end-userwith a second connector in the control panel. The control panel furtherincludes a display; a housing configured to support the display; aspeaker having a front from which sound is projected, a rear oppositethe front, a first side, and a second side opposite the first side; anda sealed speaker enclosure positioned within the housing, the sealedspeaker enclosure including a speaker case, wherein a portion of thespeaker case and a portion of the speaker define the sealed speakerenclosure. The control panel further includes a user interface includingthe display; and a home screen module configured to: receive an inputfrom the end-user defining at least one screen depicted on the display;store data representing the at least one end-user-defined screen in amemory; and perform one or more actions previously associated by theuser with the defined screen; a Bluetooth circuit configured to receiveat least one Bluetooth signal from one or more Bluetooth-enableddevices; a processor configured to: store data identifying an authorizedBluetooth-enabled device in a memory; detect the authorizedBluetooth-enabled device; and disarm the security system control panelin response to the detection. The control panel further includes aradio-frequency (RF) circuit configured to: when the control panel is inan unpowered state: receive power from an RF signal from an RFprogramming device; receive data embedded in the RF signal from thepowered RF circuit; and using the received power from the RF signalstore the data in a memory that is otherwise unpowered, wherein theprocessor is configured to: when the control panel is in a poweredstate: receive the stored data; and configure at least one parameterusing the received data.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a system 10that may include a building security and automation system 12 and acentral monitoring station 14 that monitors received communications fromone or more building security and automation systems 12. As seen in FIG.1, the building security and automation system 12 (also referred to inthis disclosure as “security system 12”) may transmit signals to andreceive signals from the central monitoring station 14 via a network 16.For example, the security system 12 may detect an unauthorized openingof a monitored building, e.g., home, door or window and transmit analarm signal to the central monitoring station 14. In response,personnel at the central monitoring station 14 may attempt to contact auser by way of a control panel (depicted in detail in FIG. 3) of thesecurity system 12, e.g., using bidirectional communication techniques.

The security system 12 may communicate with the central monitoringstation 14 using wired or wireless communication techniques. In oneexample implementation, the network 16 may utilize a traditional POTS(plain old telephone service) telephone line, or wired Ethernet. Inanother example implementation, the network 16 may be a cellulartelephone network for wireless communication. It may be desirable tocommunicate signals wirelessly to the central monitoring station 14 inorder to eliminate an intruder's ability to cut or otherwise damage awired phone line and thus disable communications.

The security system 12 may also receive control signals via a remotedevice 18, e.g., a smartphone, tablet computer, or other computingdevice, that may control one or more aspects of the security system 12.Also, the remote device 18 may receive status signals from the securitysystem 12 that indicate one or more statuses of the security system 12.

For example, in the event that a user forgot to arm the security system12 at their premises, the user may remotely arm the security system 12using the remote device 18 via the network 16. Initially, the remotedevice 18 may receive a status signal from the security system 12indicating that the security system 12 is unarmed, and display thestatus, e.g., via an application executed on a smartphone. Then, afterthe remote device 18 transmits a control signal to arm the securitysystem 12, the remote device 18 may receive a status signal from thesecurity system 12 indicating that the security system 12 is armed, anddisplay the status.

In addition, the security system 12 of FIG. 1 may receive signals thatmay be used as part of an automation scheme to control various aspectsof the building, e.g., home. For example, a user may use a control panel(depicted in detail in FIG. 3) of the security system 12 to, forexample, turn lights on/off in a home or other building, adjust atemperature, e.g., raise or lower a thermostat setting, and the like.

In another example, the user may use a remote device 18, e.g., asmartphone, tablet computer, or other computing device, to transmitsignals to the control panel of the security system 12 via the network16 to turn lights on/off in a home or other building, adjust atemperature, e.g., raise or lower a thermostat setting, and the like.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating various examples ofcomponents of the security system 12 of FIG. 1, including a controlpanel 20 and various sensors. As seen in FIG. 2, the security system 12may include a control panel 20 for receiving status signals from varioussensors, including, for example, a window sensor 22, a motion sensor 24,and a door sensor 26. Numerous other types of sensors may also beincluded as part of the security system 12, which are not depicted FIG.2. For example, the security system 12 may also include one or more ofthe following sensors: glass break sensors, smoke detection sensors,carbon monoxide detection sensors, and flooding sensors.

In addition, the security system 12 may include a key fob 28 that maytransmit control signals, e.g., RF control signals, to the control panel20 to control various aspects of the security system 12. For example, auser may remotely arm/disarm the security system 12 using the key fob28.

The security system 12 may also include a remote keypad 30 that maytransmit control signals to and receive status signals from the controlpanel 20. For example, a remote keypad 30 may be located in a bedroom ofa home, thereby allowing a user to arm/disarm the security system 12 orview the status of the security system 12 from the bedroom withouthaving to use the control panel 20, which may be located in another partof the home.

As mentioned above, the security system 12 may also be used forautomation purposes. As non-limiting examples, the control panel 20 ofFIG. 2 (and/or the remote keypad 30) may depict a lighting controller 32and a temperature controller 34. The control panel 20 may be configuredto transmit control signals to the lighting controller 32 that turns oneor more lights in a building on/off. In some example implementations,the control panel 20 may transmit the lighting control signals atprogrammed times, e.g., using a programmed daily schedule.

In addition, the control panel 20 may be configured to transmit controlsignals to a temperature controller 34 that adjusts a temperature, e.g.,raise or lower a thermostat setting, in a building. In some exampleimplementations, the control panel 20 may transmit the temperaturecontrol signals at programmed times, e.g., using a programmed dailyschedule.

The remote keypad 30 may be configured to transmit control signals tothe control panel 20, which can then transmit the signal(s) to thelighting controller 32 and/or the temperature controller 34, e.g., usinga programmed daily schedule.

Further, and as mentioned above, in some example implementations thecontrol panel 20 may receive signals from and/or transmit signals to aremote device 18, e.g., a smartphone, tablet computer, or othercomputing device. The remote device 18 may receive status signals fromthe control panel 20 that indicate one or more statuses of the securitysystem 12, e.g., whether the system is armed or disarmed. The remotedevice 18 may also transmit control signals that control one or moreaspects of the security system 12.

In some example implementations, the security system 12 may include oneor more speakers (not depicted) as part of a home automation system, forexample. Enunciations, signals, or other alerts from the security systemmay interrupt an audio stream playing through the speakers and transmitthe enunciations, signals, or other alerts through the speakers.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of thecontrol panel 20 of the security system in FIG. 2, in accordance withthis disclosure. The control panel 20 of FIG. 3 may include a processor40, a power supply 42 (e.g., an AC powered source and a battery backupcircuit), a memory circuit (or memory device) 44, a user interface 46configured to receive input from a user, a speaker circuit 48, and aspeaker 50. In some example implementations, the control panel 20 canalso include a piezoelectric siren circuit and piezoelectric transducer(not depicted).

The processor 40 may be a microprocessor, general purpose controller,field-programmable gate array (FPGA), application-specific integratedcircuit (ASIC), or other discrete or integrated logic circuitry, forexample.

In some example implementations, the user interface 46 may include atouchscreen display for receiving input, e.g., arming/disarming thesecurity system 12, or defining a home screen or bookmark. In suchexamples, the touchscreen display may display one or more buttons forcontrolling various aspects of the security system. In other examples,the user interface may include a display and one or more physicalbuttons for controlling various aspects of the security system 12.

The memory circuit 44 may include one or more volatile or non-volatilememory devices, e.g., Flash memory, RAM, EPROM, EEPROM, embedded MMC,etc. The memory circuit 44 may store instructions that, when executed bythe processor 40, configure the processor 40 to perform thefunctionality described in this disclosure. For example, upon receivingan input to arm the security system 12, the processor 40 may executeinstructions that cause the speaker circuit 48 to output a signal to thespeaker 50 that announces that the security system will soon be armed.

In addition, the control panel 20 may include a cellular circuit 52 withan associated antenna 54 for transmitting signals to and receivingsignals from the central monitoring station 14 or the remote device 18,e.g., via a cellular network 16. As described in more detail below, andin accordance with this disclosure, the cellular circuit 52 and theantenna 54 may be formed as part of a replaceable cellular module (shownat 110 in FIGS. 7, 8A, 8B). This replaceable module may allow a customeror technician, for example, to replace a cellular module withoutdisassembling the control panel 20.

In accordance with this disclosure, and as described in more detailbelow, the cellular circuit 52, e.g., radio, and the antenna 54 may beinterchangeable on the replaceable cellular module. The antenna 54 maybe detachable so that a first antenna can be detached and replaced by asecond antenna, e.g., an antenna extending outside the control panel(external), on the replaceable cellular module. This may allow themanufacturer, for example, to pair a radio and an antenna on thereplaceable cellular module at the factory so that the customer does nothave to connect the antenna and the radio.

Given that, in some examples, the cellular circuit 52 and the antenna 54may form the communication link to the central monitoring station 14, itmay be desirable to detect whether an attempt has been made to remove orotherwise tamper with the replaceable cellular module. Hence, inaccordance with this disclosure, the control panel 20 may also include atamper detection circuit 56 for detecting when a door (shown in FIGS. 5and 7) that allows the replaceable cellular module to be replaced hasbeen opened and, if so, transmit an alarm signal to the centralmonitoring station 14 before the replaceable cellular module has beenremoved from the control panel 20.

In order to transmit or receive control or status signals, e.g., to thecentral monitoring station 14, the cellular circuit 52 can generally bepowered when the control panel 20 is powered. Removing the replaceablecellular module from the control panel 20 while the replaceable cellularmodule is powered, however, may damage the replaceable cellular moduleand/or the control panel 20. For example, removal of a powered cellularmodule from the control panel 20 may cause electrical arcing at theconnector pins, which may permanently damage the control panel 20.Hence, in accordance with this disclosure and as described in detailbelow, the processor 40 may remove power from the cellular circuit 52 ifthe tamper detection circuit 56 detects that the door (shown in FIGS. 5and 7) has been opened.

The control panel 20 of FIG. 3 may also include a radio-frequencyidentification (RFID) circuit 58, in accordance with this disclosure.The RFID circuit 58 may allow a manufacturer, for example, to downloadconfiguration parameters into an onboard memory circuit 59 of the RFIDcircuit 58, for example, while the control panel 20 is in a sealed boxin the factory. The RFID circuit 58 can write to the onboard memory 59even when the control panel 20 is not powered up. When the control panelis an unpowered state, the RFID circuit 58 can receive power from an RFsignal from an RF programming device, receive data embedded in the RFsignal from the powered RF circuit, and, using the received power fromthe RF signal, store the data in the memory 59 that is otherwiseunpowered. When the control panel 20 is powered up in a powered state,the processor 40 can read/receive the stored data from the memory 59 andconfigure the control panel 20 (and track other parameters andfunctions) using the received data and data stored in memory circuit 44.

Upon receiving a signal from the an RFID programmer unit, the RFIDcircuit 58, which includes an antenna 60, powers up and beginsreceiving, for example, the configuration parameters that may then bestored directly to the onboard memory circuit 59 of the RFID circuit 58.This may allow a manufacturer or distributor, for example, to customizeone or more packaged, unpowered control panels based on customerpreferences before the control panels are shipped to the customer. Forexample, after the control panel is powered up, the processor 40 canread the stored configuration parameters from the onboard memory 59 andretrieve from the memory circuit 44 the instructions needed to configurethe default language, e.g., English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian,French, Japanese, etc., of the control panel 20 based on the customer'sgeographic region.

The control panel 20 of FIG. 3 may also include a Wi-Fi circuit 62. Insome example configurations, the Wi-Fi circuit 62 may include Wi-FiDirect functionality, in accordance with this disclosure. Wi-Fi Directmay allow various Wi-Fi enabled components of the security system 12 tocommunicate with one another without using a wireless access point,e.g., a wireless router.

In one example configuration, the security system 12 may include one ormore remote keypads 30 that include Wi-Fi chips and are Wi-Fi enabled.Using the Wi-Fi Direct functionality of the Wi-Fi circuit 62 of FIG. 3,the one or more Wi-Fi enabled remote keypads 30 may establish apeer-to-peer connection with the control panel 20, instead of using awireless access point of a home network, for example. By allowing theremote keypad(s) to communicate directly with the control panel usingWi-Fi Direct may eliminate the need to use a proprietary wirelesscommunication protocol or use wired communications techniques. Inaddition, using Wi-Fi Direct instead of Wi-Fi may simplify the setup forthe user by eliminating the need for a wireless access point.

In some examples, the control panel 20 can be configured to interfacewith a home automation controller using serial or TCP/IP protocols, forexample. For example, the control panel 20 can include a terminal block(not depicted) that can connect to the home automation controller usinga wired connection, e.g., via RS-232 serial cable or via an Ethernetcable. In other examples, the control panel 20 can connect using awireless protocol, e.g., IEEE 802.11 standards.

In some examples, the control panel 20 can receive signals from a Wi-Ficonnected camera (not depicted) using the Wi-Fi circuit 62. The Wi-Ficonnected camera can be used to detect motion. For example, the Wi-Ficonnected camera can detected. In other examples, the panel can alsoreceive camera signal over a wired Ethernet connection.

The control panel 20 of FIG. 3 may also include a Bluetooth circuit 64configured to receive at least one Bluetooth signal from one or moreBluetooth-enabled devices. In some example configurations, the Bluetoothcircuit 64 may be used by the control panel 20 to automatically disarmthe security system 12 when an authorized Bluetooth-enabled device iswithin range of the control panel 20. Bluetooth is a communicationsprotocol standardized as IEEE 802.15.1.

For example, upon an initial pairing via the Bluetooth circuit 64 withan authorized Bluetooth-enabled device, e.g., a user's smartphone, theprocessor 40 of the control panel 20 may instruct the memory circuit 44to store data identifying the authorized Bluetooth-enabled device(s),e.g., a user's smartphone. After the security system 12 has been armed,each time the processor detects that a Bluetooth-enabled device iswithin range of the Bluetooth circuit 64 of the control panel 20, theprocessor 40 may retrieve the identifying data from the memory circuit44, determine whether the Bluetooth-enabled device is an authorizeddevice, and, if so, disarm the control panel 20 automatically, e.g.,without any action taken by the user.

In some example implementations, the processor 40 may cause aconfirmation message to be transmitted to an authorized user prior todisarming the security system 12. Once the authorized user affirmativelyresponds to the confirmation message, the processor 40 may disarm thesecurity system 12.

The control panel 20 of FIG. 3 may also include a Universal Serial Bus(USB) circuit 66 connected to a USB connector 68, e.g., micro-USB,mini-USB, or other USB compatible connector. The USB connector 68 andUSB circuit 66 may allow peripheral electronic component(s) to be addedto the security system 12. For example, a USB web-camera (not depicted)may be connected to the control panel 20 using the USB connector 68.Connecting a USB web-camera using the USB connector 68 may be desirableas it allows the web-camera to be easily upgraded or otherwise replaced.In addition, the USB web-camera may be articulated to allow it to pointat a particular location, in contrast to a camera that is integratedinto the control panel 20 and thus cannot turn. In some examples, astandard USB extension cable could be used to locate the camera a fewfeet away from the panel in almost any orientation. In some examples,the user may remotely control the articulation of the web-camera, e.g.,using the remote device 18. In some examples, the control panel 20 mayinclude a camera integrated into the control panel (not depicted).

In some examples, a camera, e.g., USB camera or integrated camera, canbe used to disarm or arm the alarm system using biometricauthentication, e.g., retinal scan, face recognition, etc. Initially,the control panel 20 can use the camera(s) to scan and store biometricinformation for one more users. Once armed, for example, the controlpanel 20 can request that a user position a recognizable feature, e.g.,eye, face, etc., close to the camera. Upon comparing the feature to thestored information, the control panel 20 can disarm the system.

In some examples, the control panel 20 can include a connector that canbe connected to an accessory radio transceiver (not depicted). Theaccessory transceiver can be used to receive signals from one or moreperipheral devices and increase the functionality of the control panel20. For example, the accessory radio transceiver can receive signal froma wireless camera or a wireless image sensor, e.g., motion detector witha camera to capture an image. In some implementations, the accessorytransceiver can be placed behind the wall upon which the control panelis mounted to conserve space.

The control panel 20 may also include a leveling vial 70 that isintegrated into the housing of the control panel 20. An integratedleveling vial 70 may allow a technician or other user to more quicklyand accurately install the control panel 20.

As mentioned above, the control panel 20 may include a speaker 50. Inaccordance with this disclosure and as described in more detail belowwith respect to FIGS. 6A-6B, the speaker 50 may be enclosed within asealed chamber. By enclosing the speaker 50 within the sealed chamber,the sound volume may be increased, e.g., by about 10 decibels (dB),relative to speaker 50 similarly positioned in a similar control panel,e.g., having dimensions of about 2 inches by about 5.5 inches by about1.25 inches, and tested on a wall about 10 feet away from the controlpanel. In addition, the sealed chamber may improve the bass and midrangefrequency response of the speaker 50 and thus improve the sound quality.Another advantage of the sealed speaker design is to provide equivalentsound at a reduced the size and depth. As a result, the control panelcan be smaller and thinner.

Finally, in accordance with this disclosure, the control panel 20 mayinclude a home screen module 72 that can receive an input from a userdefining one or more screens depicted on a display 46, store datarepresenting the at least one user-defined screen in a memory, e.g.,memory circuit 44, and perform one or more actions previously associatedby the user with the defined screen. The home screen module 72 mayenable a user to associate one or more actions such as, for example,temperature settings, lighting settings, security settings, with thedefault or primary screen of the display of the user interface of theircontrol panel 20 or remote keypad 30, which can allow the userinterface, without navigating beyond the nominal default screen, to be ahome control panel, security panel, bed-side controller, roomcontroller, thermostat controller or other type of panel. Defining ahome screen or defining bookmarks, e.g., a customized screen that is notnecessarily a default or primary screen, may reduce the number ofkeystrokes that the user must enter to reach a desired screen or prompton the user interface. The home screen module 72 can then perform theone or more actions previously associated by the user with the definedscreen.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an example of the control panel of FIG.2. The control panel 20 of FIG. 4 includes a housing 80, a userinterface 46, e.g., a touchscreen display or other display, and, in someexamples, one or more buttons 82A and 82B. A user may enter commands,navigate menus, and the like using the touchscreen and/or using thebuttons 82A, 82B. It should be noted that, in some examples, the remotekeypad 30 of FIG. 2 may be similar to the control panel 20 of FIG. 4.For purposes of conciseness, the remote keypad 30 and the control panel20 will be described together.

The control panel 20 may also include a USB connector 68. In thenon-limiting example shown in FIG. 4, the USB connector 68 is located atthe top of the control panel 20. In some example implementations, anexternal web-camera (not depicted) may be connected to the control panel20 via the USB connector 68.

The user interface 46 may be configured to display many differentscreens depending on the type of application, e.g., security or homeautomation. For example, the memory circuit 44 may store instructionsthat, when executed by the processor 40, cause the user interface todisplay a security panel, bed-side controller panel, home theater roomcontroller panel, and/or a home automation panel. Aspects of homeautomation that may be displayed include, but are not limited to, athermostat panel, a lighting panel, a door lock panel, a garage doorpanel, a home audio or other speaker system panel, or other type ofpanel.

Using various techniques of this disclosure, the control panel 20 andthe remote keypad 30 may include the ability for a user to define a homescreen and/or bookmark one or more panels using the home screen module72. For example, a user may define a remote keypad 30 located in a hometheater room to display a home theater room controller panel as adefault home screen. As another example, a user may define a remotekeypad 30 located in their bedroom to display a thermostat panel as adefault home screen. As another example, the user may define athermostat panel as a default home screen and may define the securitypanel using a bookmark to allow quick access.

As another example, the user may define a remote keypad 30 in theirbedroom to be a bedside controller and have an “all lights in roomON/OFF” default home screen. As another example, the user may build acustomized home screen for remote keypad 30 designated as a bedsidecontroller in their bedroom. For example, the user may build a “go tobed” home screen that may include thermostat control, security panelcontrol (e.g., “arm stay”, and an “all lights OFF” control, or any othersystem control features that the user may use at bedtime. In someexamples, each of these controls may be displayed on a single screen ofthe user interface of the remote keypad 30 for the user to individuallycontrol. That is, the user may individually turn down the thermostat,turn off all the lights, and arm the security system. In other examples,the “go to bed” home screen may allow a user to touch a single button onthe user interface of the remote keypad 30 that initiates a sequence ofevents including, for example, turning down the thermostat, turning offall the lights, and arming the security system.

As another example, a user may build a customized home screen for aremote keypad 30 located in a hallway. For example, the user may build acustomized “return from work” home screen that allows a user to touch asingle button on the user interface of the remote keypad 30 in thehallway that initiates a sequence of events including, for example,turning up the thermostat and turning on various lights in the house.Each remote keypad 30 located about the house may have different homescreens defined by the user.

In some example implementations, the user-defined home screens maydisplay the status of various system components, e.g., a thermostatsetting and an alarm status, and also display control icons to controlthe various system components, e.g., increase/decrease thermostatsetting and arm/disarm the alarm system.

In one example implementation, when setting or defining a default homescreen, a user may navigate through various menus on the control panel20 until the user interface 46 displays the preferred home screen. Thehome screen module 72 may cause the user interface to display a homescreen or bookmark icon. Once on the preferred home screen, the user maytouch a displayed home screen (or bookmark) icon to confirm that thedisplayed home screen is the preferred home screen or bookmark. Uponreceiving the confirmation, the home screen module 72 may store thesettings in the memory circuit 44, e.g., in a user preferences orconfiguration file. The home screen module 72 may cause the userinterface 46 to display the preferred home screen as the default screenbased on the stored settings.

Similarly, a user may again navigate through various menus until theuser interface 46 displays a panel that the user would like to bookmarkas a favorite panel, e.g., a thermostat panel. Once on the desiredscreen, the user may touch a displayed home screen (or bookmark) icon toconfirm that the displayed screen should be bookmarked as a favoritepanel. Upon receiving the confirmation, the home screen module 72 maystore the settings in the memory circuit 44, e.g., in a configurationfile. The home screen module 72 may cause the user interface 46 todisplay the preferred home screen as the default screen based on thestored settings.

In another example implementation, rather than have the user navigatethrough various menus or screens until the user interface 46 displaysthe desired screen (either for default as a home screen or forbookmarking as a favorite), the user interface 46 may display thumbnailviews or text, for example, of the various panels that can be selectedas preferred panels. The home screen module 72 may prompt a user toselect the desired screen, prompt the user to confirm that the displayedscreen should be bookmarked as a favorite panel or as a default homescreen, and then, upon receiving the confirmation, the home screenmodule 72 may store the settings in the memory circuit 44, e.g., in aconfiguration file.

FIGS. 10A-10D are examples of screenshots of various portions depictinga user-defined screen of a user-interface 46, e.g., display. Asindicated above, the control panel 20 may include a home screen module72 that can receive an input from a user defining one or more screensdepicted on a display 46 and store data representing the at least oneuser-defined screen in a memory, e.g., memory circuit 44.

FIG. 10A is an example of a screenshot 200 in which the user has yet toprovide input to define a screen, e.g., set a bookmark. A bookmark iconis shown at 202. In the examples shown in FIGS. 10A-10D, the user candefine a screen for the master bedroom. To begin the task of definingthe screen, the user can select the “smart home controls” button 204 atthe bottom of the screen 200. Selecting the “smart home controls” button204 can cause new buttons 206A-206F to appear on the screen, as seen inscreen 208 in FIG. 10B. To define a screen for the master bedroom, theuser can select the “rooms” button 206F on the screen 208. Selecting the“rooms” button 206F can cause one or more “room” buttons 210A-210B toappear on the screen 212, as seen in FIG. 10C. As seen in FIG. 10C, thescreen 212 displays a “master bedroom” button 210A and an “add new room”button 210B, which can allow a user to define settings for a room otherthan the master bedroom.

To define a screen for the master bedroom, the user can select the“master bedroom” button 210A on the screen 212 in FIG. 10C. Selectingthe “master bedroom” button 210A can cause one or more control icons toappear on the screen 214, as seen in FIG. 10D. As seen in FIG. 10D, theuser can define, for example, the lighting and/or the thermostatsettings. For example, the user can use slider control icon 216A to setthe brightness of the lighting for the master bedroom.

The user can also define the thermostat settings. For example, the usercan define the heating and cooling set point temperatures using theup/down arrows shown generally at 216B, 216C, respectively. In addition,the user can define the fan settings at 216D and the mode settings at216E. After defining the lighting and/or temperature settings, forexample, for the master bedroom, the user can select the bookmark icon202 to bookmark the screen for the master bedroom.

The home screen module 72 may constitute either a software module, e.g.,code embodied on a non-transitory machine-readable medium, or ahardware-implemented module. If embodied as a software module, thememory circuit 44 may include computer-readable instructions that, whenexecuted by the processor 40, cause the processor 40 to perform variousfunctions attributed throughout this disclosure to the home screenmodule 72.

In various configurations, a hardware-implemented module may beimplemented mechanically or electronically. For example, ahardware-implemented module may comprise dedicated circuitry or logicthat is permanently configured, e.g., as a special-purpose processor,such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or anapplication-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), to perform certainoperations. A hardware-implemented module may also comprise programmablelogic or circuitry, e.g., as encompassed within a general-purposeprocessor or other programmable processor, that is temporarilyconfigured by software to perform certain operations. It will beappreciated that the decision to implement a hardware-implemented modulemechanically, in dedicated and permanently configured circuitry, or intemporarily configured circuitry, e.g., configured by software, may bedriven by cost and time considerations.

Accordingly, the term “hardware-implemented module” should be understoodto encompass a tangible entity, be that an entity that is physicallyconstructed, permanently configured, e.g., hardwired, or temporarily ortransitorily configured, e.g., programmed, to operate in a certainmanner and/or to perform certain operations described herein.Considering embodiments in which hardware-implemented modules aretemporarily configured, e.g., programmed, each of thehardware-implemented modules need not be configured or instantiated atany one instance in time. For example, where the hardware-implementedmodules comprise a general-purpose processor configured using software,the general-purpose processor may be configured as respective differenthardware-implemented modules at different times. Software mayaccordingly configure a processor, for example, to constitute aparticular hardware-implemented module at one instance of time and toconstitute a different hardware-implemented module at a differentinstance of time.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the example control panel of FIG. 4. Asmentioned above, the control panel 20 may include a replaceable cellularmodule (depicted at 110 in FIGS. 7, 8A, 8B) that includes the cellularcircuit 52, e.g., cellular radio, and the antenna 54 of FIG. 3. Anend-user, e.g., customer or technician, may install or replace thereplaceable cellular module by opening the door 90 of FIG. 5, e.g.,after removing a screw (shown at 116 in FIG. 9) and inserting the modulethrough a slot defined by the housing (shown at 93 in FIG. 9). The door90 has an open state and a closed state, and the end-user replaceablecellular module is replaceable through the slot when the door is in theopen state. In some examples, the door 90 can be snapped in place orsnapped in place and secured with an optional screw. In some examples,the door can be removed and replaced without requiring a tool. In thismanner, the replaceable cellular module is replaceable withoutdisassembling the control panel or housing. After the replaceablecellular module is installed, the tamper detection circuit 56 of FIG. 3may detect when the door 90 is opened, as described in more detailbelow.

In addition to the techniques described above, the control panel 20includes an improved speaker design. Speaker designs of existingsecurity systems utilize forward facing, rearward facing, or side facingspeakers with grills. These designs, however, often result in thin,metallic (e.g., tinny), unintelligible sounds. As shown in FIGS. 6A-6Band as described below, the sound quality and volume of the speaker 50of the control panel 20 may be improved by using a sealed speakerenclosure, e.g., a resonant speaker enclosure, thus resulting in athinner, more desirable panel with comparable sound quality. The controlpanel 20 may be configured to provide two-way communication using amicrophone (not depicted) and the speaker 50. As such, the increase inbass and midrange frequency responses of the speaker 50 may improve theintelligibility and sound quality of received communication, e.g., fromthe central monitoring station 14.

In addition, the control panel 20 may be configured to provide sirens,signaling, and annunciation using the speaker 50. The sealed speakerenclosure 100 of FIGS. 6A and 6B may increase the volume of the speaker50 over existing speaker designs.

FIG. 6A is perspective front view of the example control panel of FIG.4, illustrating a sealed speaker enclosure, in accordance with thisdisclosure. The front cover of the control panel 20 has been removed inFIG. 6A in order to depict the speaker 50 within a sealed speakerenclosure 100 (depicted by cross-hatching in FIG. 6A). The sealedspeaker enclosure 100 may increase the bass and midrange frequencyresponses of the speaker 50. As seen in FIGS. 6A-6B, the volume 98extending to the left of the speaker 50 is the primary volume that formsthe sealed speaker enclosure 100. In addition, in some examples, thediaphragm 102 of the speaker 50 may also form part of the sealedenclosure 100, which seals any air behind the diaphragm 102. Thecross-hatching in FIG. 6A defines at least a portion of the boundary ofthe sealed speaker enclosure 100.

FIG. 6B is cross-sectional end view of the example control panel of FIG.4, illustrating a sealed speaker, in accordance with this disclosure.The speaker 50 includes a front 120 from which sound is projected, arear 122 opposite the front 120, a first side 124, and a second side 126opposite the first side. The housing 80 can include a front interiorside 130, a rear interior side 132 opposite the front interior side 130,a first interior side 134, and a second interior side 136 opposite thefirst interior side 134.

The sealed speaker enclosure 100 (shown with hatching) is positionedwithin the housing 80 and at least partially defined by a speaker case103 positioned within the housing. In some example configurations, e.g.,in a control panel having dimensions of about 2 inches by about 5.5inches by about 1.25 inches, the volume of the sealed speaker enclosure100 can be between about 0.35 liters to about 0.45 liters to provide theimproved performance characteristics described in this disclosure.

To ensure that that the speaker enclosure is sealed, a sealant 105 canbe applied, e.g., room-temperature vulcanization (RTV) silicone,resulting in a sealed sound box within the control panel 20. In someexamples, the diaphragm 102 of the speaker 50 may also form part of thesealed enclosure 100, which seals any air behind the diaphragm 102. Asseen in FIG. 6B, rather than extending behind the speaker 50, theprimary volume of air 98 of the sealed speaker enclosure 100 is adjacentto the first side 124 of the speaker 50 and extends away from the firstside 124 and, in some examples, behind other components within thecontrol panel 20, e.g., piezoelectric element 104. A small, secondaryvolume of air 101 of the sealed speaker enclosure 100 may extend to theright of the speaker 50 in FIG. 6B.

In some examples, the second side 126 of the speaker 50 is positionedadjacent the second interior side 136 of the housing 80, and the sealedspeaker enclosure 100 defines the secondary acoustic volume of air 101that extends between the second side 126 of the speaker 50 and thesecond interior side 136 of the housing 80.

In some examples, the second side 126 of the speaker 50 is positionedadjacent the second interior side 136 of the housing 80, and the primaryacoustic volume of air extends away from the first side 124 of thespeaker 50 toward the first interior side 134 of the housing 80.

In some examples, the rear portion 122 of the speaker 50 is adjacent therear interior side 132 of the housing 80, and the sealed speakerenclosure 100 extends across only a portion of the rear portion 122 ofthe speaker 50. For example, only a small portion of the sealed speakerenclosure 100 is positioned directly behind the speaker 50.

By taking advantage of spaces within the control panel 20 that are toosmall or would otherwise obstruct placement of the speaker 50, thedesign of the sealed speaker enclosure 100 of FIGS. 6A and 6B may resultin a reduced profile of the control panel 20. Without the design of thesealed speaker enclosure 100 of FIGS. 6A and 6B, the dimensions of thecontrol panel 20, e.g., the depth, may need to be increased in order tocreate an equivalent acoustic volume.

In some example implementations, the control panel 20 with the sealedspeaker enclosure 100 may form part of an all-in-one home automation andsecurity control panel, e.g., a control panel that includes all theradios of the home automation and security system without additionalaccessory boxes/panels.

FIG. 7 is perspective back view of the example control panel of FIG. 6A,illustrating a replaceable cellular module, in accordance with thisdisclosure. More particularly, the control panel 20 of FIG. 7 mayinclude an end-user replaceable cellular telephony module 110, that isremovable from the control panel 20 without disassembling the controlpanel, having a body 112 that includes the cellular telephony circuit 52and the cellular telephony antenna 54. The control panel 20 includes adoor 90 through which the replaceable cellular module 110 may beinserted for connection to the circuitry of the control panel 20. Forexample, the control panel 20 can include a connector 113 sized andshaped or otherwise configured to be removably engaged by the end-userwith a connector 114 coupled to the cellular circuit 52 and the body 112of the replaceable cellular module 110.

In one example implementation, a customer or technician may open thedoor 90, remove the replaceable cellular module 110, and install a newreplaceable cellular module 110 through the slot 93 (or compartment)when the door 90 is in an open state or position, e.g., removed. In someexamples, the door 90 is removable and not hinged and can be affixed tothe housing when installed and removed when it is opened. At least aportion of the end-user replaceable cellular module is sized and shapedor otherwise configured to fit through the door 90 and/or the slot 93.For example, in the event that the control panel 20 includes areplaceable cellular module 110 configured for an older cellularprotocol, an updated replaceable cellular module 110, e.g., nextgeneration protocol radios such as a 3G or a 4G protocol, may be shippedto and installed by the customer without having to disassemble thehousing 80.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are perspective views of the replaceable cellular module110 of FIG. 7, in accordance with this disclosure. For purposes ofconciseness FIGS. 8A and 8B will be described together.

As seen in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the cellular circuit 52, e.g., radio chip,and the antenna 54 (shown in FIG. 8B) are attached to a body 112 andtogether form part of the replaceable cellular module 110. The antenna54 is electrically connected to the cellular circuit 52, and thecellular circuit 52 is connected to the control panel 20 using amulti-pin connector 114. A pull-tab 55 can be included to assist theuser in removing the replaceable cellular module 110 from the controlpanel 20.

The cellular circuit 52 and the antenna 54 may each be detached from thereplaceable cellular module 110. For example, the cellular circuit 52may be a circuit board that may be removed and replaced by anothercellular circuit, e.g., radio chip, that snaps into position on the body112. As another example, antenna 54 may be detachable by the serviceprofessional or end-user and replaced by a different type of antennathat has one or more improved performance characteristics. For example,a paddle antenna may be replaced by another antenna type that hasdifferent performance characteristics in order to produce an optimizedradiation pattern, e.g., an isotropic radiation pattern. As anotherexample, to enhance signal strength, the antenna 54 can be unwound andre-routed, e.g., out of the replaceable cellular module 110 and behindthe wall. To re-route the antenna 54, one end of the antenna 54 canremain connected to the cellular circuit 52 and be unwound. Theunconnected end can be pulled out of the replaceable cellular module 110and positioned to adjust the signal strength, e.g., behind the wallsupporting the control panel 20.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a portion of the control panel 20. InFIG. 9, a faceplate covering the control panel 20 has been removed toprovide access the optional door locking screw 116. Once the doorlocking screw 116 is removed, the door 90 can be removed.

As mentioned above, the door 90 may be in communication with the tamperdetection circuit 56. Using the techniques of this disclosure, tamperdetection with the door 90 is a two-step process. In the first step, thetamper detection circuit 56 can detect tampering with the door 90. Asone example, the tamper detection circuit 56 includes a microswitch 94held in a first state, e.g., closed, by a portion 106 of the door 90,e.g., a tab. A person attempting to remove the replaceable cellularmodule 110 may begin removing the screw 116. Once the door 90 isremoved, the portion 106 of the door 90 no longer holds the microswitch94 in the first state and, as a result, the microswitch 94 may change toa second state, e.g., open.

In the second step, the processor 40 may detect the change in state ofthe microswitch 94, e.g., open. In response and prior to the removal ofthe replaceable cellular module 110 from the control panel 20, theprocessor 40 can cause the cellular circuit 52 to transmit a signal tothe central monitoring station 14 that indicates that tampering has beendetected at the control panel 20.

The time delay between the detection of tampering and removal of thereplaceable cellular module 110 is sufficient for the processor 40 andthe cellular circuit 52 to transmit a tamper detect signal to thecentral monitoring station 14. In some examples, the processor 40 andthe cellular circuit 52 may detect and transmit the tamper detect signalin about 100 milliseconds (ms) to about one second.

In addition, in some example implementations, after the processor 40 andthe cellular circuit 52 transmit the tamper detect signal to the centralmonitoring station 14, the processor 40 may power down the cellularcircuit 52 to prevent damage to the control panel 20. That is, removingthe replaceable cellular module 110 from the control panel 20 while thereplaceable cellular module 110 is powered may damage the replaceablecellular module 110 and/or the control panel 20. For example, removal ofa powered cellular module from the control panel 20 may cause electricalarcing at the connector pins, which may permanently damage the controlpanel 20. Hence, the processor may remove power from the cellularcircuit 52 if the tamper detection circuit 56 detects that the door 90has been opened.

NOTES AND EXAMPLES

Example 1 includes subject matter (such as a device, apparatus, ormachine) comprising: an end-user replaceable cellular telephony modulethat is removable from the control panel without disassembling thecontrol panel, the cellular module including: a body; a cellulartelephony circuit coupled to the body; a cellular telephony antennacoupled to the body and the cellular telephony circuit; and a firstconnector coupled to the cellular telephony circuit and the body,wherein the first connector is sized and shaped or otherwise configuredto be removably engaged by the end-user with a second connector in thecontrol panel.

In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 may include, wherein theantenna is a first antenna, and wherein the module is configured suchthat the first antenna can be detached from the body by the end-user andreplaced by a second antenna.

In Example 3, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 2 mayinclude, wherein the second antenna is configured to have a differentperformance characteristic than the first antenna.

In Example 4, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 3 mayinclude, a housing defining a slot, and wherein at least a portion ofthe end-user replaceable cellular module is sized and shaped orotherwise configured to fit through the slot.

In Example 5, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 4 mayinclude, a door removably affixed to the housing, wherein at least aportion of the end-user replaceable cellular module is sized and shapedor otherwise configured to fit through the slot when the door isremoved.

In Example 6, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 5 mayinclude, a switch configured to detect an opening of the door affixed,wherein the switch is configured to change state upon detecting theopening; and a processor configured to: detect the changed state of theswitch; and control transmission of a tamper detection signal to acentral monitoring station upon detection of the changed state of theswitch.

In Example 7, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 6 mayinclude, a display; a housing configured to support the display; and aspeaker having a front from which sound is projected, a rear oppositethe front, a first side, and a second side opposite the first side; anda sealed speaker enclosure positioned within the housing, the sealedspeaker enclosure including a speaker case, wherein a portion of thespeaker case and a portion of the speaker define the sealed speakerenclosure.

In Example 8, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 7 mayinclude, wherein the sealed speaker enclosure includes a speaker case.

In Example 9, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 8 mayinclude, wherein the sealed speaker enclosure has a volume of betweenabout 0.35 liters to about 0.45 liters.

In Example 10, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 9 mayinclude, wherein the sealed speaker enclosure defines a primary acousticvolume of air that extends away from the first side of the speaker.

In Example 11, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 10 mayinclude, wherein the portion of the speaker that defines the sealedspeaker enclosure includes a diaphragm of the speaker.

In Example 12, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 11 mayinclude, wherein the housing has a front interior side, a rear interiorside opposite the front interior side, a first interior side and asecond interior side opposite the first interior side, wherein thesecond side of the speaker is positioned adjacent the second interiorside of the housing, and wherein the sealed speaker enclosure defines asecondary acoustic volume of air that extends between the second side ofthe speaker and the second interior side of the housing.

In Example 13, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 12 mayinclude, wherein the housing has a front interior side, a rear interiorside opposite the front interior side, a first interior side and asecond interior side opposite the first interior side, wherein thesecond side of the speaker is positioned adjacent the second interiorside of the housing, and wherein the primary acoustic volume of airextends away from the first side of the speaker toward the firstinterior side of the housing.

In Example 14, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 13 mayinclude, wherein the housing has a front interior side, a rear interiorside opposite the front interior side, a first interior side and asecond interior side opposite the first interior side, wherein thespeaker has a rear portion adjacent the rear interior side of thehousing, and wherein the sealed speaker enclosure extends across only aportion of the rear portion of the speaker.

In Example 15, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 14 mayinclude, a Bluetooth circuit configured to receive at least oneBluetooth signal from one or more Bluetooth-enabled devices; a processorconfigured to: store data identifying an authorized Bluetooth-enableddevice in a memory; detect the authorized Bluetooth-enabled device; anddisarm the security system control panel in response to the detection.

In Example 16, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 15 mayinclude, a user interface including a display; and a home screen moduleconfigured to: receive an input from the end-user defining at least onescreen depicted on the display; store data representing the at least oneend-user-defined screen in a memory; and perform one or more actionspreviously associated by the user with the defined screen.

In Example 17, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 16 mayinclude, wherein the screen depicted on the display is a thermostatcontroller.

In Example 18, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 17 mayinclude, wherein the screen depicted on the display is a room controllerthat includes at least one of lighting and temperature controls.

In Example 19, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 18 mayinclude, a radio-frequency (RF) circuit configured to: when the controlpanel is in an unpowered state: receive power from an RF signal from anRF programming device; receive data embedded in the RF signal from thepowered RF circuit; and using the received power from the RF signalstore the data in a memory that is otherwise unpowered; and a processorconfigured to: when the control panel is in a powered state: receive thestored data; and configure at least one parameter using the receiveddata.

The above detailed description includes references to the accompanyingdrawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawingsshow, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which theinvention can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred toherein as “examples.” Such examples can include elements in addition tothose shown or described. However, the present inventors alsocontemplate examples in which only those elements shown or described areprovided. Moreover, the present inventors also contemplate examplesusing any combination or permutation of those elements shown ordescribed (or one or more aspects thereof), either with respect to aparticular example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect toother examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or describedherein.

All publications, patents, and patent documents referred to in thisdocument are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety, asthough individually incorporated by reference. In the event ofinconsistent usages between this document and those documents soincorporated by reference, the usage in the incorporated reference(s)should be considered supplementary to that of this document; forirreconcilable inconsistencies, the usage in this document controls.

In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patentdocuments, to include one or more than one, independent of any otherinstances or usages of “at least one” or “one or more.” In thisdocument, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that“A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unlessotherwise indicated. In this document, the terms “including” and “inwhich” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms“comprising” and “wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms“including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system, device,article, or process that includes elements in addition to those listedafter such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within the scopeof that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,”“second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are notintended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

Method examples described herein can be machine or computer-implementedat least in part. Some examples can include a computer-readable mediumor machine-readable medium encoded with instructions operable toconfigure an electronic device to perform methods as described in theabove examples. An implementation of such methods can include code, suchas microcode, assembly language code, a higher-level language code, orthe like. Such code can include computer readable instructions forperforming various methods. The code may form portions of computerprogram products. Further, the code can be tangibly stored on one ormore volatile or non-volatile tangible computer-readable media, such asduring execution or at other times. Examples of these tangiblecomputer-readable media can include, but are not limited to, hard disks,removable magnetic disks, removable optical disks (e.g., compact disksand digital video disks), magnetic cassettes, memory cards or sticks,random access memories (RAMs), read only memories (ROMs), and the like.

Examples, as described herein, may include, or may operate on, logic ora number of components, modules, or mechanisms. Modules may be hardware,software, or firmware communicatively coupled to one or more processorsin order to carry out the operations described herein. Modules mayhardware modules, and as such modules may be considered tangibleentities capable of performing specified operations and may beconfigured or arranged in a certain manner. In an example, circuits maybe arranged (e.g., internally or with respect to external entities suchas other circuits) in a specified manner as a module. In an example, thewhole or part of one or more computer systems (e.g., a standalone,client or server computer system) or one or more hardware processors maybe configured by firmware or software (e.g., instructions, anapplication portion, or an application) as a module that operates toperform specified operations. In an example, the software may reside ona machine-readable medium. In an example, the software, when executed bythe underlying hardware of the module, causes the hardware to performthe specified operations. Accordingly, the term hardware module isunderstood to encompass a tangible entity, be that an entity that isphysically constructed, specifically configured (e.g., hardwired), ortemporarily (e.g., transitorily) configured (e.g., programmed) tooperate in a specified manner or to perform part or all of any operationdescribed herein. Considering examples in which modules are temporarilyconfigured, each of the modules need not be instantiated at any onemoment in time. For example, where the modules comprise ageneral-purpose hardware processor configured using software; thegeneral-purpose hardware processor may be configured as respectivedifferent modules at different times. Software may accordingly configurea hardware processor, for example, to constitute a particular module atone instance of time and to constitute a different module at a differentinstance of time. Modules may also be software or firmware modules,which operate to perform the methodologies described herein.

The above description is intended to be illustrative, and notrestrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or moreaspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Otherembodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the artupon reviewing the above description. Also, in the above DetailedDescription, various features may be grouped together to streamline thedisclosure. This should not be interpreted as intending that anunclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventivesubject matter may lie in less than all features of a particulardisclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporatedinto the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as aseparate embodiment, and it is contemplated that such embodiments can becombined with each other in various combinations or permutations. Thescope of the invention should be determined with reference to theappended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which suchclaims are entitled.

Various aspects of the disclosure have been described. These and otheraspects are within the scope of the following claims.

1. A control panel comprising: an end-user-replaceable cellulartelephony module that is removable from the control panel by an end userwithout disassembling the control panel, the cellular module including:a body; a cellular telephony circuit coupled to the body; a firstcellular telephony antenna coupled to the body and the cellulartelephony circuit; and a first connector coupled to the cellulartelephony circuit and the body, wherein the first connector is sized andshaped to be removably engaged by the end user with a second connectorin the control panel.
 2. The control panel of claim 1, wherein themodule is configured such that the first antenna can be detached fromthe body by the end user and replaced by a second antenna.
 3. Thecontrol panel of claim 1, wherein the module is configured such that thefirst antenna can be detached from the body by the end user and replacedby a second antenna, and wherein the second antenna is configured tohave a different performance characteristic than the first antenna. 4.The control panel of claim 1, further comprising: a housing defining aslot, wherein at least a portion of the end-user-replaceable cellularmodule is configured to fit through the slot.
 5. The control panel ofclaim 1, further comprising: a housing defining a slot, wherein at leasta portion of the end-user-replaceable cellular module is configured tofit through the slot; and a door removably affixed to the housing,wherein at least a portion of the end-user-replaceable cellular moduleis sized and shaped to fit through the slot when the door is removed. 6.The control panel of claim 1, further comprising: a housing defining aslot, wherein at least a portion of the end-user-replaceable cellularmodule is configured to fit through the slot; and a door removablyaffixed to the housing, wherein at least a portion of theend-user-replaceable cellular module is sized and shaped to fit throughthe slot when the door is removed; a switch configured to detect anopening of the door affixed to the housing, wherein the switch isconfigured to change state upon detecting the opening; and a processorconfigured to: detect the changed state of the switch; and controltransmission of a tamper-detection signal to a central monitoringstation upon detection of the changed state of the switch.
 7. Thecontrol panel of 1, further comprising: a housing defining a slot,wherein at least a portion of the end-user-replaceable cellular moduleis configured to fit through the slot; and a door openably affixed tothe housing, wherein at least a portion of the end-user-replaceablecellular module is configured to fit through the slot when the door isremoved; a switch configured to detect an opening of the door affixed tothe housing, wherein the switch is configured to change state upondetecting the opening; and a processor configured to: detect the changedstate of the switch; and control transmission of a tamper-detectionsignal to a central monitoring station upon detection of the changedstate of the switch; a display; a housing configured to support thedisplay; a speaker having a front from which sound is projected, a rearopposite the front, a first side, and a second side opposite the firstside; and a sealed speaker enclosure positioned within the housing, thesealed speaker enclosure including a speaker case, wherein a portion ofthe speaker case and a portion of the speaker define the sealed speakerenclosure.
 8. The control panel of claim 1, further comprising: ahousing defining a slot, wherein at least a portion of theend-user-replaceable cellular module is configured to fit through theslot; and a door removably affixed to the housing, wherein at least aportion of the end-user-replaceable cellular module is sized and shapedor otherwise configured to fit through the slot when the door isremoved; a switch configured to detect an opening of the door affixed tothe housing, wherein the switch is configured to change state upondetecting the opening; and a processor configured to: detect the changedstate of the switch; and control transmission of a tamper-detectionsignal to a central monitoring station upon detection of the changedstate of the switch; a display; a housing configured to support thedisplay; a speaker having a front from which sound is projected, a rearopposite the front, a first side, and a second side opposite the firstside; and a speaker case, wherein a portion of the speaker case and aportion of the speaker define a sealed speaker enclosure.
 9. The controlpanel of claim 1, further comprising: a housing defining a slot, whereinat least a portion of the end-user-replaceable cellular module isconfigured to fit through the slot; and a door openably affixed to thehousing, wherein at least a portion of the end-user-replaceable cellularmodule is sized and shaped or otherwise configured to fit through theslot when the door is removed; a switch configured to detect an openingof the door affixed to the housing, wherein the switch is configured tochange state upon detecting the opening; and a processor configured to:detect the changed state of the switch; and control transmission of atamper-detection signal to a central monitoring station upon detectionof the changed state of the switch; a display; a housing configured tosupport the display; a speaker having a front from which sound isprojected, a rear opposite the front, a first side, and a second sideopposite the first side; and a speaker case, wherein a portion of thespeaker case and a portion of the speaker define a sealed speakerenclosure positioned within the housing, and wherein the sealed speakerenclosure has a volume of between about 0.35 liters to about 0.45liters.
 10. The control panel of claim 1, further comprising: a housingdefining a slot, wherein at least a portion of the end-user-replaceablecellular module is configured to fit through the slot; and a dooropenably affixed to the housing, wherein at least a portion of theend-user-replaceable cellular module is sized and shaped or otherwiseconfigured to fit through the slot when the door is removed; a switchconfigured to detect an opening of the door affixed to the housing,wherein the switch is configured to change state upon detecting theopening; and a processor configured to: detect the changed state of theswitch; and control transmission of a tamper-detection signal to acentral monitoring station upon detection of the changed state of theswitch; a display; a housing configured to support the display; aspeaker having a front from which sound is projected, a rear oppositethe front, a first side, and a second side opposite the first side; anda speaker case, wherein a portion of the speaker case and a portion ofthe speaker define a sealed speaker enclosure positioned within thehousing, and wherein the sealed speaker enclosure defines a primaryacoustic volume of air that extends away from the first side of thespeaker.
 11. The control panel of claim 1, further comprising: a housingdefining a slot, wherein at least a portion of the end-user-replaceablecellular module is configured to fit through the slot; and a dooropenably affixed to the housing, wherein at least a portion of theend-user-replaceable cellular module is sized and shaped or otherwiseconfigured to fit through the slot when the door is removed; a switchconfigured to detect an opening of the door affixed to the housing,wherein the switch is configured to change state upon detecting theopening; and a processor configured to: detect the changed state of theswitch; and control transmission of a tamper-detection signal to acentral monitoring station upon detection of the changed state of theswitch; a display; a housing configured to support the display; aspeaker having a front from which sound is projected, a rear oppositethe front, a first side, and a second side opposite the first side; anda speaker case, wherein a portion of the speaker case and a portion ofthe speaker define a sealed speaker enclosure positioned within thehousing, and wherein the portion of the speaker that defines the sealedspeaker enclosure includes a diaphragm of the speaker.
 12. The controlpanel of claim 1, further comprising: a housing defining a slot, whereinat least a portion of the end-user-replaceable cellular module isconfigured to fit through the slot; and a door openably affixed to thehousing, wherein at least a portion of the end-user-replaceable cellularmodule is sized and shaped or otherwise configured to fit through theslot when the door is removed; a switch configured to detect an openingof the door affixed to the housing, wherein the switch is configured tochange state upon detecting the opening; and a processor configured to:detect the changed state of the switch; and control transmission of atamper-detection signal to a central monitoring station upon detectionof the changed state of the switch; a display; a housing configured tosupport the display; a speaker having a front from which sound isprojected, a rear opposite the front, a first side, and a second sideopposite the first side; and a speaker case, wherein a portion of thespeaker case and a portion of the speaker define a sealed speakerenclosure positioned within the housing, wherein the housing has a frontinterior side, a rear interior side opposite the front interior side, afirst lateral interior side and a second lateral interior side oppositethe first interior side, wherein the second side of the speaker ispositioned adjacent the second lateral interior side of the housing, andwherein the sealed speaker enclosure defines a secondary acoustic volumeof air that extends between the second side of the speaker and thesecond lateral interior side of the housing.
 13. The control panel ofclaim 1, further comprising: a housing defining a slot, wherein at leasta portion of the end-user-replaceable cellular module is configured tofit through the slot; and a door openably affixed to the housing,wherein at least a portion of the end-user-replaceable cellular moduleis sized and shaped or otherwise configured to fit through the slot whenthe door is removed; a switch configured to detect an opening of thedoor affixed to the housing, wherein the switch is configured to changestate upon detecting the opening; and a processor configured to: detectthe changed state of the switch; and control transmission of atamper-detection signal to a central monitoring station upon detectionof the changed state of the switch; a display; a housing configured tosupport the display; a speaker having a front from which sound isprojected, a rear opposite the front, a first side, and a second sideopposite the first side; and a speaker case, wherein a portion of thespeaker case and a portion of the speaker define a sealed speakerenclosure positioned within the housing, and wherein the sealed speakerenclosure defines a primary acoustic volume of air that extends awayfrom the first side of the speaker, wherein the housing has a frontinterior side, a rear interior side opposite the front interior side, afirst lateral interior side and a second lateral interior side oppositethe first interior side, wherein the second side of the speaker ispositioned adjacent the second lateral interior side of the housing, andwherein the primary acoustic volume of air extends away from the firstside of the speaker toward the first interior side of the housing. 14.The control panel of claim 7, wherein the housing has a front interiorside, a rear interior side opposite the front interior side, a firstinterior side and a second interior side opposite the first interiorside, wherein the speaker has a rear portion adjacent the rear interiorside of the housing, and wherein the sealed speaker enclosure extendsacross only a portion of the rear portion of the speaker.
 15. Thecontrol panel of claim 1, further comprising: a Bluetooth circuitconfigured to receive at least one Bluetooth signal from one or moreBluetooth-enabled devices; a processor operably coupled to the Bluetoothcircuit and configured to: store data identifying an authorizedBluetooth-enabled device in a memory; detect the authorizedBluetooth-enabled device; and disarm a security system of the controlpanel in response to the detection.
 16. The control panel of claim 15,further comprising: a user interface including a display; and a homescreen module configured to: receive an input from the end-user definingat least one screen depicted on the display; store data representing theat least one end-user-defined screen in a memory; and perform one ormore actions previously associated by the user with the defined screen.17. The control panel of claim 16, comprising: wherein the at least onescreen depicted on the display includes a thermostat controller.
 18. Thecontrol panel of claim 1, further comprising: a Bluetooth circuitconfigured to receive at least one Bluetooth signal from one or moreBluetooth-enabled devices; a processor operably coupled to the Bluetoothcircuit and configured to: store data identifying an authorizedBluetooth-enabled device in a memory, detect the authorizedBluetooth-enabled device, and disarm the control panel in response tothe detection; a user interface including a display; and a home screenmodule configured to: receive an input from the end-user defining atleast one screen depicted on the display, store data representing the atleast one end-user-defined screen in a memory, and perform one or moreactions previously associated by the user with the defined screen,wherein the at least one screen depicted on the display includes a roomcontroller that includes at least one of lighting and temperaturecontrols.
 19. The control panel of claim 1, further comprising: aradio-frequency (RF) circuit configured to: when the control panel is inan unpowered state: receive power from an RF signal from an RFprogramming device; receive data embedded in the RF signal from the RFprogramming device; and use the received power from the RF signal tostore the data in a memory that is otherwise unpowered; and a processorconfigured to: when the control panel is in a powered state: receive thestored data; and configure at least one parameter using the receiveddata.
 20. The control panel of claim 22, further comprising: a housingconfigured to support the display; a speaker having a front from whichsound is projected, a rear opposite the front, a first side, and asecond side opposite the first side; and a speaker case, wherein aportion of the speaker case and a portion of the speaker define a sealedspeaker enclosure positioned within the housing.
 21. A control panelcomprising: a Bluetooth circuit configured to receive at least oneBluetooth signal from one or more Bluetooth-enabled devices; a processorconfigured to: store data identifying an authorized Bluetooth-enableddevice in a memory; detect the authorized Bluetooth-enabled device; anddisarm a security system of the control panel in response to thedetection.
 22. A control panel comprising: a user interface including adisplay; and a home screen module configured to: receive an input froman end user defining at least one end-user-defined screen depicted onthe display; store data representing the at least one end-user-definedscreen in a memory; and perform one or more actions previouslyassociated by the end user with the defined screen.
 23. The controlpanel of claim 1, further comprising: a display; a housing configured tosupport the display; a speaker having a front from which sound isprojected, a rear opposite the front, a first side, and a second sideopposite the first side; and a sealed speaker enclosure positionedwithin the housing, the sealed speaker enclosure including a speakercase, wherein a portion of the speaker case and a portion of the speakerdefine the sealed speaker enclosure; a user interface including thedisplay; a home screen module configured to: receive an input from theend-user defining at least one screen depicted on the display; storedata representing the at least one end-user-defined screen in a memory;and perform one or more actions previously associated by the user withthe defined screen; a Bluetooth circuit configured to receive at leastone Bluetooth signal from one or more Bluetooth-enabled devices; aprocessor configured to: store data identifying an authorizedBluetooth-enabled device in a memory; detect the authorizedBluetooth-enabled device; and disarm the security system control panelin response to the detection; and a radio-frequency (RF) circuitconfigured to: when the control panel is in an unpowered state: receivepower from an RF signal from an RF programming device; receive dataembedded in the RF signal from the powered RF circuit; and using thereceived power from the RF signal store the data in a memory that isotherwise unpowered, wherein the processor is configured to: when thecontrol panel is in a powered state: receive the stored data; andconfigure at least one parameter using the received data.